Safe downloads and expert advice

Use Android Device Manager to locate your device

Until recently, there was no official way to locate a lost or stolen Android phone. Fortunately, Google launched Android Device Manager. In the article below, I'll explain how quick and easy it is to configure and use Android Device Manager to locate your Android device.

What is Device Manager?

Android Device Manager is a service through which you can locate your lost or stolen Android phone or tablet using maps. Once located, you can send a request for the device to either make a sound, or remotely wipe all data from the device.

What are the requirements?

Android Device Manager works on any device with Android 2.2 or higher; there's no need to install any app or update the operating system.

If your device is connected to your Google account or you use Google Play, you'll automatically be able to use this function.

1. Log in to your Google Account

2. Choose the device you wish to locate

If you have more than one Android device, choose which one you wish to locate by clicking on the arrow to the right of the device name.

3. Wait while your device is located

Depending on the situation, Google may take more or less time to locate your device, especially if you are in transit or in an area where cell phone service is unstable.

Once found, your device's location is indicated with a blue dot on the map, as well as an estimate of the location's accuracy. To update the map, click the arrow icon.

4. Send a tone or delete the device's data

If the device is near your current location or is somewhere secure, Android Device Manager can send a sound notification to yourphone or tablet to play at full volume for five minutes, even if the device is on silent or vibrate.

Alternatively, if you've enabled the remote wipe options in Google, you can remotely delete all the data stored on the device, including photos, contacts, emails and apps, with a simple click of the 'Erase Device' button.

5. Contact the authorities

If you think your Android device has fallen into the wrong hands, contact the appropriate authorities and file a report.

When doesn't it work?

A Wi-fi connection is necessary to locate the device on the map. If there's no internet connection, the device can't communicate with Google and Android Device Manager won't be able to locate it. If you have GPS enabled, the accuracy of its location will be even greater.

Device Manager also won't work if:

The tablet or phone is turned off or out of the coverage area

The device has been reset to its factory settings

To ensure that your device can be located, you should activate two options in your Google Settings. Go to Security > Device Manager and enable both available options.

You can also go to Google Settings > Location and enable 'Access the location'.